Effects of D-Cyclosporine on Phobias

The results of an fMRI study at conducted at numerous U.S. universities suggest that during initial phobic symptom provocation, D-cyclosporine enhances fear extinction and facilitates exposure therapy. (CNS Spectrums, 2009; 14(10):556-571)
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One-Session Phobia Treatments Effective for Children

The results of a Swedish study show that 55 percent of children who underwent an intensive one-session treatment were freed from their phobias.
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Neuroscientists Find Fear’s Location in Brain

For the first time neuroscientists have pinpointed the location of the neurons responsible for fear conditioning in the mammalian brain: the basolateral nucleus in the amygdala. Fear conditioning is considered a model system for understanding specific phobias and other anxiety disorders. (PLoS One, 2009; 4(7):e6156)
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Lupus Patients Prone to Anxiety Disorders

Anxiety and mood disorders are more common in women with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) than in the general population, according to results of a new study. Researchers found that panic disorder, specific phobia, OCD, major depressive disorder, and bipolar I disorder were significantly more common among SLE subjects than among other white women. In contrast, generalized anxiety disorder and dysthymic disorder were significantly less common in this population. (Arthritis and Rheumatism, June 2009; 61:822-829)
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Biochemistry May Hold Keys to Blocking Fears

A receptor for glutamate, the most prominent neurotransmitter in the brain, plays a key role in the process of unlearning or forgetting, according to researchers at the Salk Institute for Biological Studies. The research results could help scientists develop new drug therapies to treat phobias and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). (Journal of Neuroscience. 2009; 29(12): 3676-3684)
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Breathing Technique Reduces Anxiety Related to Blood-Injection-Injury Phobia

For individuals with blood-injection-injury (BII) phobia, a novel biobehavioral approach aimed at regulating breathing may lessen anxiety, new research suggests. (Medscape Medical News) 
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